Thoughts Without Borders

I recently attended the ASCP Annual Meeting in Chicago and was once again energized professionally. As an ASCP Global Outreach Volunteer it was exciting for me to find so much focus on the international work being done. It was a common thread in all the general sessions, including keynote speaker Hillary Clinton, who highlighted the work of the Clinton Foundation and its partnerships in global health. There were presentations on “Pathologists Without Borders,” “Laboratorians Without Borders,” even “Diseases Without Borders.” Well, the diseases were always without borders—but now they have unprecedented transport advantages! The meeting also hosted guests from far-away places such as Lesoto and Viet Nam, who have been working hand in hand with ASCP consultants to build their educational programs and strengthen their lab workforce for a sustainable future.

During the conference my thoughts collided with themselvesas I remember trips to African and East Asian nations, and the experiences of working with colleagues around the globe—truly a bit of “Thoughts Without Borders” for me. The relationships we build are the backbone and platform for global health improvements around the world, and so much can be accomplished with on-site work. Our technology to both perform laboratory analyses and to communicate and store data is so advanced it’s mind-boggling. Yet even with our achievements in this age of “digital everything,” there is still no substitute for a handshake, eye contact, working together face to face, enjoying cultures and language lessons over coffee, and breaking bread while sharing recipes and family stories. THAT is what makes volunteering as a consultant in international health so engaging. I, for one, hope that global health and international outreach will always include professional exchange opportunities for working together in both host countries and in ours!

Next time I’ll get back on track with some travel adventures, as promised. In the meantime, if you happen to be wandering through Chicago, go by the ASCP office and say “Howdy” to the Global Outreach Team whose work and dedication make it possible for me to do what I love and give back to this crazy profession we have chosen. And be sure to get yourself some Chicago style pizza and enjoy a bit of blues while you’re there—two things that are definitely part of our American Culture! If you need a recommendation, send me a note at bsumwalt@pacbell.net.